Peterborough United Darragh MacAnthony has warned his fans against giving Tom Nichols any added motivation ahead of Saturday's game against Bristol Rovers.
Nichols moved from the Posh to Rovers in the summer of 2017, but has netted just four goals in 90 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons in blue and white.
It has led to some criticism from Rovers fans, with Peterborough supporters watching on with vested interest - but, after praising the Gas for their win over Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday evening, MacAnthony picked Nichols out as a key performer.
He said: "He was excellent.
"Let's not motivate him with silly insults as he is a dangerous player for sure."
Whilst things have not always clicked for Nichols at Rovers, his good form has often come in spurts, such as when he scored three in four games earlier this season.
With Nichols having put in a promising second-half performance against Plymouth, which also won the praise of BT pundit Adam Virgo, hopes are high he could prove important against the Posh on Saturday, particularly having scored against Ipswich Town at the weekend.
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